Abbas Kiarostami dedicated to poetic realism, blurring the lines between documentary and fiction, and capturing the essence of human experience with unparalleled depth. He remains one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century, and understanding his work is akin to understanding a different kind of cinema, one that is deeply personal, yet universally relatable.
Early Life and Education of Abbas Kiarostami
Abbas Kiarostami, the Iranian maestro of cinema, embarked on his artistic journey in the bustling city of Tehran, Iran, in 1940. Born into a middle-class family, his artistic inclinations were evident from a young age. He honed his artistic talents by participating in painting competitions, even winning one at the age of 18.
His passion for artistic expression led him to pursue a degree in painting and graphic design at the University of Tehran School of Fine Arts. While studying, he supported himself by working as a traffic policeman, showcasing his commitment to independence and resourcefulness.
Kiarostami’s artistic talents extended beyond painting. He began his career by designing posters and creating commercials, showcasing his growing interest in visual storytelling. This early exposure to the world of advertising likely influenced his future filmmaking career, particularly in his use of compelling visuals and his ability to tell stories within a concise timeframe.
While his formal education focused on painting and graphic design, Kiarostami’s fascination with film started brewing during this period. He began immersing himself in the world of cinema, absorbing the works of renowned directors like Alfred Hitchcock and Satyajit Ray. This exposure to diverse cinematic styles undoubtedly shaped his own filmmaking approach.
Kiarostami’s life and education laid the foundation for his future success. His artistic upbringing and formal training in visual arts fostered his creative vision. His early experiences shaped his unique perspective on storytelling, paving the way for him to become one of the most influential filmmakers of the 20th century. His legacy continues to inspire aspiring filmmakers and cinephiles alike.
Abbas Kiarostami’s Best movies
Now, let’s explore some of Abbas Kiarostami’s best movies, films that showcase his unique vision and storytelling brilliance:
• Taste of Cherry (1997):
A philosophical exploration of life and death, following a man searching for someone to bury him after his planned suicide. This film is a testament to Kiarostami’s ability to find profound beauty in the mundane.
As one of the best movies of Kiarostami, this is a film that lingers long after the credits roll. It follows Mr. Badii, a middle-aged man, on a haunting journey through the outskirts of Tehran. With a bag of money and a sense of quiet desperation, he searches for someone willing to fulfill a disturbing request: to bury him after he commits suicide. Each encounter with potential candidates, ranging from a taxi driver to a seminary student, becomes an exploration of life, death, and human connection.
The film is devoid of judgment, leaving the audience to grapple with the complexities of Mr. Badii’s motivations and the ethical dilemmas posed by his request. Through its minimalist style and profound contemplation of mortality, “Taste of Cherry” stands as a testament to Kiarostami’s ability to find universal human truths within the confines of a seemingly simple narrative.
• Close-Up (1990):
A groundbreaking docufiction film that blurs the lines between reality and performance. It tells the story of a man who impersonates a famous filmmaker, raising questions about identity and the nature of truth.
A daring experiment in blurring the lines between reality and fiction, “Close-Up” (1990) stands as a pivotal film in Kiarostami’s filmography. This docufiction tells the true story of Hossain Sabzian, a man who impersonated the renowned director Mohsen Makhmalbaf. Sabzian, played by himself, convinces a Tehran family that he is Makhmalbaf and plans to make a film featuring their son.
The film then interweaves the reenactment of these events with interviews featuring the real people involved, including Sabzian, the Makhmalbaf family, and even Kiarostami himself. This innovative approach challenges viewers’ notions of truth and representation, questioning the boundaries between real life and its cinematic portrayal. By blending documentary and staged elements, Kiarostami not only tells a fascinating story of deception and identity but also sparks conversations about the ethics of filmmaking and the power of cinema to both reflect and shape reality.
• Where is the Friend’s Home? (1987):
A seemingly simple story of a young boy trying to return his friend’s notebook takes viewers on a captivating journey through the rural Iranian landscape, reflecting on themes of childhood innocence and societal challenges.
The film follows Ahmed, a young boy who mistakenly takes his friend’s notebook home from school. Determined to return it and avoid his friend’s potential expulsion, Ahmed embarks on a journey through the neighboring village.
This seemingly straightforward mission evolves into a series of challenges as he navigates unfamiliar terrain and encounters various individuals who offer both help and hindrance. Through Ahmed’s innocent perspective, the film subtly highlights the complexities of rural Iranian life, touching upon themes of social hierarchy, economic disparity, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities. Kiarostami’s use of non-professional actors and his signature long takes create a sense of realism, drawing viewers into the film’s world and allowing them to experience the journey alongside Ahmed, making “Where is the Friend’s Home?” a poignant and enduring cinematic gem.
• Certified Copy (2010):
A poignant exploration of love, memory, and the nature of authenticity. Two strangers, a writer and an antiques dealer, engage in a conversation about a missing painting, their dialogue mirroring the complexities of human relationships.
The film centers around a chance encounter between a British writer and a French antiques dealer in a small Italian town. The writer, visiting to deliver a lecture on the topic of copies and originals, engages in a captivating conversation with the antiques dealer, who claims to sell only certified copies of famous artworks. As their dialogue unfolds, the film delves deeper into the question of whether their own relationship is a genuine connection or a carefully curated performance.
Kiarostami’s masterful use of ambiguity leaves interpretations open-ended, inviting viewers to question the motivations of the characters and ponder the complexities of human relationships. With its minimalist aesthetic and focus on nuanced dialogue, “Certified Copy” remains a thought-provoking masterpiece, showcasing Kiarostami’s ability to evoke profound emotions with a seemingly simple
Where can I watch Abbas Kiarostami movies?
This question pops up frequently as cinephiles delve into the world of this master director. Many of his films are available on streaming platforms like Criterion Channel, Mubi, and even YouTube (for some). Additionally, film festivals and independent cinemas often hold retrospectives celebrating his work, providing a unique opportunity to experience them on the big screen.
Why is Abbas Kiarostami famous?
His fame stems from several factors. Kiarostami’s films are deeply human. He focused on everyday life, capturing the beauty and complexity of the ordinary. His minimalist yet evocative style, often employing long takes and non-professional actors, immersed audiences in the realities of Iranian society while transcending cultural boundaries. Moreover, his films tackled complex themes – grief, faith, societal struggles – with a subtle hand, leaving viewers to contemplate and interpret them on their own terms.
You may also be interested in this: Top 10 Iranian Movies of All Time
When cinema begins with Griffith and ends with Kiarostami?
This statement, while not universally accepted, highlights the profound impact Kiarostami had on the cinematic landscape. He redefined the language of cinema with his innovative use of time, space, and narrative structure. His films are masterclasses in visual storytelling, where every frame is meticulously crafted to evoke emotions and convey layers of meaning. In fact it was Jean-Luc Godard who said: Cinema begins with Griffiths and ends with Kiarostami.
Akira Kurosawa, another famous of 10 best Asian directors, argue about Kiarostami: I think the films of this Iranian director are extraordinary. Words cannot express my feelings. I suggest you watch his movies and then you will understand what I mean. I was very sad when Satya Jeet Ray passed away, but after seeing Kiarostami’s films, I thank God that we found a replacement for him.
These are just a few of Abbas Kiarostami’s best movies that continue to inspire and challenge viewers. His work is a testament to the power of cinema to capture the essence of humanity and leave a lasting impact on those who experience it. If You are interested about other Iranian directors, read other article about Best Bahram Beizai movies, here on BEST CINEMA REVIEW.
